News

Identity Sought in Overnight Burglaries Update #1

Friday, November 22, 2013

On November 21, 2013, at approximately at 9:27pm Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man suspected in at least 2 burglaries in North Fort Myers.

Joseph Frank Hollman, 07/20/1963 of 1107 Palm Ave, North Fort Myers has been charged with one count of Damage to Property/Criminal Mischief and Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure.

Due to the nature of the crime detectives with Alpha District Criminal Investigation Division assumed the investigation.

The preliminary investigation revealed that on Saturday November 16, 2013 at approximately 10:51pm Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call to its dispatch center in reference to burglaries to two separate businesses. Upon arrival Deputies noticed that the front door to the Subway Store located at 5660 Bayshore Road #49 North Fort Myers was smashed out. Deputies also noticed that a neighboring business’s front door located at 5660 #54 North Fort Myers was also smashed out.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office released video surveillance in reference to the Subway burglary looking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

On November 21, 2013 approximately 8:30pm deputies in North Fort Myers observed an individual closely matching the description of the burglary suspect driving a van on Professional Court. The driver then proceeded north on Palm Ave and deputies were able to conduct a traffic stop on the van and successfully identify and take Hollman into custody without incident.

This investigation is ongoing.

(Initial press release 11-18-2013)

The Lee County Sheriffs Office is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a man believed responsible for committing burglaries to businesses in North Fort Myers.

On November 16, 2013 at approximately 10:44pm, deputies responded to one of more than a dozen reported burglaries to businesses in the area.

Deputies met with the cashier of one business who stated that she observed a white male standing at the front door to the business with a screwdriver trying to force his way into the business. The front door shattered. She yelled at him and he ran to a newer model black hatchback and fled the parking lot.

Surveillance video from the business revealed the suspect as a white male, 5’7-5’10 160-180lbs thin build, clean shaven, wearing dark jeans, a white t-shirt and a ball cap.

Anyone who has any information on the identity of the suspect is asked to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000, call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org, through the TipSubmit app on any iPhone or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.

Media inquiries are directed to the Public Information Office 477-1340.